Grower resources
Germination guide
A simple, reliable method for starting seeds, from garden vegetables to rare cultivars.
The short version
Soak seeds 12 to 24 hours, never longer
Damp paper towel, somewhere warm and dark
Plant taproot-down once it reaches a quarter inch
Keep unused seeds cool, dark, and dry
Step 01
Start with hydration
Soak seeds in a glass of room-temperature water for 12 to 24 hours. Most viable seeds will swell and sink. Do not soak longer than 24 hours, as seeds need oxygen too.
Step 02
The paper towel method
Place seeds between two layers of damp (not dripping) paper towel on a plate. Cover with a second plate or slide into an open zip bag to hold humidity, and keep it somewhere dark.
Step 03
Keep them warm
Aim for a steady 70 to 80°F. The top of a refrigerator or a seedling heat mat works well. Avoid direct sunlight and temperature swings, which stall germination.
Step 04
Wait for the taproot
Check once a day and re-moisten the towel if it starts to dry. A white taproot typically emerges in 1 to 7 days. Handle sprouted seeds as little as possible, and never touch the root itself.
Step 05
Plant taproot down
Once the taproot reaches about a quarter inch, plant it root-down about a quarter to half inch deep in a light, pre-moistened seed-starting mix. Keep the medium damp and warm, and give seedlings gentle light once they surface.
Storing seeds
Store seeds somewhere cool, dark, and dry. An airtight container with a desiccant pack in the refrigerator keeps seeds viable for years. Avoid the freezer unless seeds are professionally dried, and always let cold containers reach room temperature before opening to prevent condensation.
A note on viability
Even properly stored seeds germinate at different rates depending on age, genetics, and conditions. If something in your order seems off, reach out through the contact page and we’ll make it right.
Some items in our catalog are sold as collectible souvenirs where required by law. Check your local laws before germinating any seed; this guide is provided for lawful home gardening.